‘Done nothing but kick him’: Dearden’s agent lashes Broncos after snub

Tom Dearden’s manager has slammed the Broncos, accusing the club of abandoning the young playmaker as he quits to join the Cowboys.

Tom Dearden is heading for the Cowboys

Tom Dearden’s manager has revealed the Broncos didn’t even make his client an offer in the wake of his switch to the Cowboys.

Dearden, who was heralded as a bright light of Brisbane’s future, made the decision to head to Townsville earlier this week.

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The playmaker has been seen as Brisbane’s most-promising halfback since Allan Langer, but has made the call to quit the Broncos.

Speaking to The Courier Mail, Dearden’s manager, Sam Ayoub said: “Tom would have stayed at the Broncos for life but they have done nothing but kick him from pillar to post.

“I read somewhere that the Broncos didn’t want to get into a bidding war with the Cowboys for Tom’s services.

“You can’t be in a bidding war if you don’t make a player an offer — and the Broncos never made him an offer.”

But speaking on NRL 360 on Fox League The Australian’s Brent Read said there were mixed reports as to whether Dearden was the real deal.

“He was (tipped as the next Allan Langer), but it’s difficult to guys coming into a losing team and trying to make an impact,” Read said.

“I haven’t known many young halves that people are so conflicted on as to whether he’ll be a good player or not.

“I speak to good judges who tell me he’s just an average first grader potentially. I won’t criticise the Broncos for not getting into a bidding war for him.

“Over a year and a half I’ve not seen any evidence he’s going to be a superstar.”

The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent said that halfbacks don’t often find their groove until later in their career.

“They are some pretty strong comments and he (Ayoub) hasn’t missed, but the thing is Tom Dearden 12 months ago was the guy that was going to be the answer,” Kent said.

“Sam Walker had already left after Anthony Seibold told him he thought he was best at fullback.

“I spoke to someone at the club about Dearden who said the problem with all young halves is it takes time to figure out whether they are any good or not.

“Sam Walker, he’s the exception. But most young halves until they hit 22, you’re not sure what they’re going to be.”

Originally published as ‘Done nothing but kick him’: Dearden’s agent lashes Broncos after snub